This month the Cuddle looks at Investment platform total costs, with a focus on how this works for retail investors. We also delve into the world of lifecycle costs with what investment platform vehicles cost over the longer term. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Freetrade - Freetrade: Award-winning investment & trading platform Hargreaves Lansdowne - Hargreaves Lansdown | ISAs, pensions, investments, savings IG - Trade and invest with the UK's No.1 trading provider - IG UK Interactive Brokers (IBKR) - Traders and Investors | Interactive Brokers U.K. Limited InvestEngine - In
This month the Cuddle looks at Investment platform costs, with a focus on how this works for retail investors. We also delve into the world of how investment vehicles effect the spread and overall costs. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Freetrade - Freetrade: Award-winning investment & trading platform Hargreaves Lansdowne - Hargreaves Lansdown | ISAs, pensions, investments, savings IG - Trade and invest with the UK's No.1 trading provider - IG UK Interactive Brokers (IBKR) - Traders and Investors | Interactive Brokers U.K. Limited InvestEngine - InvestEngine – The ETF Invest
This month the Cuddle looks at Bid offer spread, with a focus on how this works for retail investors. We also delve into the world of investment platforms and try to assess their spread breakdown. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Fidelity International - Fidelity International | ISAs, Shares, Funds & Pensions (SIPPs) AJ Bell - AJ Bell | Award-Winning Investment Platform Interactive Brokers - Traders and Investors | Interactive Brokers U.K. Limited eToro - Invest With eToro™ | Stocks, Crypto & ETFs in One Powerful App InvestEngine - InvestEngine – The ETF Investing Platform Bi
This month the Cuddle looks at Financial Education, with a little help from secondary school pupils in years 7, 9 and 11. They let us know their thoughts on the world of money and financial education. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report - GOV.UK Financial Times Financial Literacy & Inclusion Campaign (FT FLIC) FT FLIC | Mastering your money Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) https://pshe-association.org.uk/ Articles Young Enterprise - Huge steps forward for financial e
This month the Cuddle looks at Financial Education, outlining the UK Governments 2025 review, and how this links to the Financial Times Flic initiative. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report - GOV.UK Financial Times Financial Literacy & Inclusion Campaign (FT FLIC) FT FLIC | Mastering your money Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) https://pshe-association.org.uk/ Articles Young Enterprise - Huge steps forward for financial education and life skills in schools | Young Ente
This month the Cuddle looks at its income portfolio, paying homage to the Helen Pridham portfolio, and we talk through how our fund has changed in the last 12 months ready for 2026. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links AIC - https://www.theaic.co.uk Edison research - https://www.edisongroup.com Articles 11 investment trusts for a £10,000 annual income Nine investment trusts to generate a £10,000 income in 2026 Nine investment trusts for a £10,000 income in 2025 Domestic Base The City of London Investment Trust plc (CTY) https://www.janushenderson.com/en-gb/investor/product/the-ci
This month the Cuddle covers what went on in the markets in 2025, looking at indexes and individual sectors. We talk through how our portfolio performed and review our best and worst performers and what to expect in 2026. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links CC Japan Income & Growth Trust plc (CCJI) https://ccjapanincomeandgrowthtrust.com Murray International Trust (MYI) https://www.murray-intl.co.uk Blackrock Energy and Resources Income Trust (BERI) www.blackrock.com/uk/individual/products/investment-trusts/our-range/blackrock-energy-and-resources-income-trust/trust-information
This month the Cuddle covers its Christmas Crackers, looking at the previous two years with the best winners and losers! We talk through how these Christmas cracker gifts have performed. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Christmas Cracker Gifts 2023 Analogue Devices (ADI) Investor Relations - Analog Devices Andrada Mining (ATM.L) Andrada Mining | Investors The Buckle, Inc (BKE) The Buckle, Inc. - Investor Overview Hanesbrands Inc. (HBI) Hanesbrands, Inc. - Investors - Investor Relations Home | Hanesbrands Inc. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) Investor Relations :: No
This month the Cuddle looks at the FIRE movement. We talk through the different resources available to further understand Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) including a book review to inspire your journey. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links US Mr. Money Mustache (Pete Adeney) - Mr. Money Mustache — Early Retirement through Badassity Choose FI Podcast: Hosted by Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett, ChooseFI - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Tanja Hester: Author of Work Optional – ISBN-13 978-0316450898 UK The Escape Artist (Barney Whiter) - Start here | The Escape Artist Monevat
This month the Cuddle looks at the FIRE movement. We talk through the different flavours of Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) including rules to live by through your journey. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Financial Freedom Documentary | Playing With FIRE Investopedia FIRE Explained: Financial Independence, Retire Early – Rules, Types & Planning The Rule of Twenty Five What is the 25x retirement rule and does it work? | MoneyWeek Four Percent Rule https://www.fidelity.co.uk/markets-insights/personal-finance/saving-for-retirement/the-4-percent-rule-the-basics/ Retir
This month the Cuddle looks at an update on investment alternatives to Terry. We talk through more potential alternatives and how our previous funds have performed over the last three years. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Funds to outperform over the next 10 years (Update) GuardCap Global Equity: GuardCap Global Equity Fund I GBP Acc|IE00BVSS1C10 (morningstar.co.uk), GuardCap Global Equity I GBP Price & Performance | Bestinvest Stonehage Fleming Global Best Ideas: Stonehage Fleming Global Best Ideas Equity (D) Income Fund Price & Information (hl.co.uk) Seilern World Growth:
This month the Cuddle takes another look at the OEIC investment riddle, looking at investment alternatives to Terry. We talk through potential alternatives and how they have performed over the last five years and what they may provide in returns over the next decade. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Funds that have Outperformed over the last 5 years Artemis UK Select: https://www.artemisfunds.com/en/gbr/investor/funds/explorer/artemis-uk-select-fund/class-i-accumulation-units-gbp Fidelity Special Situations: https://www.fidelity.co.uk/factsheet-data/factsheet/GB00B88V3X40-fid
This month the Cuddle covers its Christmas Crackers, looking at the different types of companies within our cuddle crackers. We talk through how last year’s Christmas cracker gifts performed and whether to keep or exchange this year’s gifts! Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Christmas Cracker Gifts 2024 Japan Gold Corp. (JG) Corporate PureCycle Technologies (PCT) PureCycle Technologies, Inc. (PCT) Microstrategy (MSTR) Explore MicroStrategy's Investor Relations: Stay Informed on Financial Performance and Corporate Governance Pan African Resources (PAF) Pan African Resources: Ho
This month the Cuddle covers income portfolios, looking at and paying homage to the Helen Pridham portfolio. We talk through how it is structured and how it has performed. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Helen Pridham Investment portfolio for £10k income2020https://www.ii.co.uk/analysis-commentary/11-investment-trusts-ps10000-annual-income-ii510420 Additional Links https://www.ii.co.uk/authors/helen-pridham 2019 https://www.ii.co.uk/analysis-commentary/how-make-ps10000-investment-trusts-2019-ii507709 2021 https://www.ii.co.uk/analysis-commentary/12-fund-picks-ps10000-income-
This month the Cuddle covers dividends, looking at Asia. We talk through whether Asian companies good for dividends and options for longer-term dividend and capital growth. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Data www.justETF.com/uk/ www.theaic.co.uk S&P UK High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/dividends-factors/sp-uk-high-yield-dividend-aristocrats-index/#overview S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/dividends-factors/sp-500-dividend-aristocrats/#overview iShares plc - iShares MSCI AC Far East ex-Japan
This month the Cuddle covers dividends, looking at small companies. We talk through whether UK small companies are good for dividends and longer-term dividend and capital growth. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Data www.justETF.com/uk/ www.theaic.co.uk City Of London (CTY) https://www.janushenderson.com/en-gb/investor/product/the-city-of-london-investment-trust-plc/ Athelney Trust (ATY) https://www.athelneytrust.co.uk/performance/ Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust plc (ASL) https://www.aberforth.co.uk/trusts-and-funds/aberforth-smaller-companies-trust-plc/share-price-perform
This month the Cuddle covers dividends, looking at the UK market. We talk through whether the UK is good for stable dividends and longer-term dividend growth. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Data www.justETF.com/uk/ www.theaic.co.uk iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF https://www.ishares.com/uk/individual/en/products/251795/ishares-ftse-100-ucits-etf-inc-fund?switchLocale=y&siteEntryPassthrough=true S&P UK High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/dividends-factors/sp-uk-high-yield-dividend-aristocrats-index/#overview S&P 500 Dividend Aristo
This month the Cuddle covers dividends, looking at the US market. We talk through whether the US is good for dividends and longer-term dividend growth. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Data www.justETF.com/uk/ www.theaic.co.uk Invesco EQQQ Nasdaq-100 UCITS ETF Dist (EQQQ) https://www.invesco.com/uk/en/financial-products/etfs/invesco-eqqq-nasdaq-100-ucits-etf-dist.html iShares Core S&P 500 ETF https://www.ishares.com/us/products/239726/ishares-core-sp-500-etf S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/dividends-factors/sp-500-dividend-aristocrats/#o
This month the Cuddle covers Defence, looking at the different types of funds including a few ETFs. We talk through how to invest in this sector and review an alternative investment option. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Fidelity Select Defense and Aerospace Fund (FSDAX) FSDAX - Fidelity ® Select Defense and Aerospace Portfolio | Fidelity Investments iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF | ITA SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) XAR: SPDR® S&P® Aerospace & Defense ETF (ssga.com) Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) Invesco | Pro
This month the Cuddle covers what went on in the markets in 2023, looking at indexes, bonds and individual companies. We talk through how our portfolio performed and review our best and worst performers. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links CC Japan Income & Growth Trust plc (CCJI) https://ccjapanincomeandgrowthtrust.com BlackRock Frontiers Investment Trust plc (BRFI) https://www.blackrock.com/uk/solutions/investment-trusts/our-range/blackrock-frontiers-investment-trust/performance-holdings Henderson Diversified Income Trust plc (HDIV) https://www.janushenderson.com/en-gb/investo
This month the Cuddle covers its Christmas Crackers, looking at the different types of companies within our cuddle crackers. We talk through whether to keep our gifts and whether that is all we wanted for Christmas! Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Christmas cracker Gifts Analogue Devices (ADI) Investor Relations - Analog Devices Andrada Mining (ATM.L) Andrada Mining | Investors The Buckle, Inc (BKE) The Buckle, Inc. - Investor Overview Hanesbrands Inc. (HBI) Hanesbrands, Inc. - Investors - Investor Relations Home | Hanesbrands Inc. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH)
This month the Cuddle covers Defence, looking at the different types of companies within the US and UK. We talk through how to invest in this sector and review a few investment options. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Lockheed Martin – LMT, $108B Lockheed Martin Corp, LMT:NYQ profile - FT.com Boeing Co – BA, $123B Boeing Co, BA:NYQ summary - FT.com Raytheon Technologies Corporation – RTX, $109B RTX Corp, RTX:NYQ profile - FT.com BAE Systems plc – BA., $40B BAE Systems PLC, BA.:LSE summary - FT.com Northrop Grumman Corporation – NOC, $67B NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP, NOC:NYQ summar
This month the Cuddle covers our visit to The Investment Company Showcase, the second year the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) have held their showcase event. We talk through our best bits and cover the funds and managers that caught the eye. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Association of Investment Companies (AIC) https://www.theaic.co.uk The Investment Company Showcase 2023: https://www.theaic.co.uk/the-investment-company-showcase-2023 https://www.theaic.co.uk/the-investment-company-showcase-2023/mancy-room The big income panel Simon Gergel, Merchants Trust Rebec
This month the Cuddle the OEIC investment riddle continues, looking at investment alternatives to Terry. We talk through potential alternatives and how they have performed over the last five years and what they may provide in returns over the next decade. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Funds that have Outperformed over the last 5 years Artemis UK Select: https://www.artemisfunds.com/en/gbr/investor/funds/explorer/artemis-uk-select-fund/class-i-accumulation-units-gbp Fidelity Special Situations: https://www.fidelity.co.uk/factsheet-data/factsheet/GB00B88V3X40-fidelity-specia
This month the Cuddle covers the OEIC investment riddle, looking at investment alternatives to Terry. We talk through alternatives with a similar philosophy and how to create your own strategy. Music by https://audionautix.com Information links Fundsmith https://www.fundsmith.co.uk/factsheet/ BlueWhale https://bluewhale.co.uk/factsheet
